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Gokokuji Temple: A photo guide
Gokokuji is one of Tokyo’s best temples. It has historical architecture. Beautiful flowers surround it in spring making it as pretty as a picture. A big Buddha sits in its courtyard, and a historic cemetery is behind it. Photographers love this place. Let’s explore it!
Well, Gokokuji has always been pretty, but May is special. Azaleas bloom over the grounds. There aren’t as many as Nezu Shrine, where they cover a whole hill. Still, there are enough to make flower lovers happy! They help make the temple a great Tokyo photo spot.
When you walk past the main gate, look in front of you. A long staircase rising to the temple gate is flanked by azaleas. It will be a kaleidoscope of colors. You should be in seventh heaven if you love both flowers and temples.
But, it isn’t only about azaleas. In early spring, there are cherry blossoms too. Early summer has hydrangeas. Do you understand why this temple is as pretty as a picture? Flowers play a huge part!
Let’s move back to the temple. Once up the stairs and inside the courtyard, you will see Kannon-do. It is the main hall of Gokokuji.
If you enjoy temple or architecture photography, this building is a gift. Please remember there are other old halls on the ground, so take your time and walk around. And if you can visit when the cherry blossoms are in season, you should get something special.
Gokokuji is a member of an elite group. Earthquakes, fires, and war have ravaged Tokyo over the centuries. This temple has survived it all! It offers a rare look at early Edo Period structures. History runs deep here.
You can enter the main hall when it is open. Many treasures are inside. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed. But, you might feel you can smell the history. It’s no wonder the government designated Gokokuji an “Important Cultural Property.”
A Brief History of Gokokuji
- Tsunayoshi Tokugawa, the fifth shogun, built the temple complex in 1681. It was to honor his mother.
- Kannon-do, the main hall of the temple, was completed in 1697.
Why do photographers like Gokokuji?
- A big Buddha! Well, not huge, but big enough;
- Flowers such as azaleas, hydrangeas, and cherry blossoms;
- There are lots of jizo statues;
- Mount Fuji! Yes, a replica is there;
- Several other worship halls;
- A pagoda;
- Cats in the …
- Cemetery!
Yes, Gokokuji is a Japanese temple, so there is a cemetery. And this one is rather special. Quite a few famous people rest in it. Among them is English architect Josiah Conder, one of my favorite Tokyoites. He designed many notable buildings in the city (including Kyu-Furukawa and Kyu-Iwasaki Gardens).
Do some research. You’ll find some interesting people. One example is Keizo Ogawa and his wife Sachiko, the founders of the Cozy Corner cake shop. They have a nice spot under a tree. Walk around, and you’ll find them.
Next is the grave architecture. There are enormous monoliths, cleft rocks, lanterns of various sizes, and statues. Some are simple, like Condor’s. He only got a rock! But I do like how it is hidden in the trees, though. Nice and shady on those hot summer days.
And, along the paths, you’ll find gardeners. They always seem to be pruning or shaping the trees and bushes. I haven’t found another cemetery in Tokyo like it (not yet, anyway). That’s one reason why I like to call Gokokuji the garden temple.
Gokokuji is a great place, especially as tourists haven’t discovered it. Most people who go there are worshippers or visitors to the cemetery. It is rarely crowded. It’s different from Sensoji or Meiji Shrine, where you might need to struggle through crowds. You’ll be able to walk around at your own pace and take your time to explore.
Nearby photo spots
Once you have finished your visit, you could also think about going to:
Where is Gokokuji Temple?
Address: 5-40-1 Otsuka, Bunkyo City, Tokyo
Here it is on a Google map:
Closest train station:
Gokokuji on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho line. Leave via Exit 3 and you’ll be at the temple’s gate.
Opening hours
10 AM to 4 PM.
Admission costs
None.
Conclusion
Gokokuji and its cemetery are beautiful and historical. You can go wild with a camera there. But, to capture their true beauty, go in spring when the flowers bloom. Then you’ll understand why I think this temple is as pretty as a picture. Leave questions and comments below.
External sites about Gokokuji: